Expression And Their Clinical Significance Of Ezrin And E-cadherin In NSCLC

Background and Objective Ezrin is a member of Ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) protein family. Ezrin protein function as molecular linker between the actin-cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane,which involves in the formation of microvilli and the maintenance of cello-morphology, movement, adhereance as well as survival.At present many studies indicate that Ezrin involves in the tumor development and tumor metastasis, relate to prognosis.E-cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule, plays a key role in the maintenance of tissue integrity. E-cadherin is the prime mediator of intercellular adhesion in epithelial cells. At present many studies indicate that reduced E-cadherin expression weakens cell-to-cell attachment, and tumor cells detach from the primary tumor, invade vessels, and migrate to lymph nodes.It has been proven that Ezrin protein may interact with E-cadherin protein and take part in metastasis of tumors.This study was performed to detect the expression of Ezrin and E-cadherin and their clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods In the 139 primary tumors, as well as in 64 lymph node metastases, Ezrin and E-cadherin proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining.The significance of their expressions were analyzed statistically.Results The overexpression rate of Ezrin in primary NSCLC tissues and metastatic lymph nodes was 64.03% and 87.38% respectively(P =0.003);in metastasis after operation and non- metastasis was 81.48% and 59.82% respectively(P =0.035).The abnormal expression rate of E-cadherin in primary NSCLC tissues and metastatic lymph nodes was 66.91% and 90.63% respectively(P =0.000);in metastasis after operation and non- metastasis was 85.19% and 62.50% respectively(P =0.035).The overexpression rate of Ezrin and abnormal expression rate of E-cadherin were significantly related to N stage ( P= 0.013,0.030) ,grading( P= 0.017,0.043),TNM stage( P= 0. 023,0.039) and metastasis( P= 0.017,0.025).There was a negative correlation between expression of Ezrin and E-cadherin(r=-0.269,P= 0.001).Grading , metastasis of NSCLC ,TNM stage ,overexpression of Ezrin and abnormal expression of E-cadherin were independent prognostic factors of NSCLC by COX Regression( P< 0.05) .Conclusion Ezrin and E-cadherin involve in the tumor development and tumor metastasis, relate to prognosis.They may be useful prognostic markers in assessing biological behavior and metastatic potential of NSCLC.